Hospitality Backup Generator Maintenance

Why Do I Need Hotel Backup Generator Maintenance?

The hospitality industry revolves around comfort, the guest experience, and having an enjoyable stay. Many hotels, resorts, and other operators in the hospitality industry cultivate a brand reputation by how well they provide these services.

Proprietors need support mechanisms in the case of power failure, and turn to commercial generators to keep systems operating in the case of emergency.

Regular hotel backup generator maintenance is critical to maintaining and extending the life of the units. It can also become a liability to any facility when hotel backup generators are left without service. Below are the reasons why it can be detrimental when service does not occur and why you should partner with critical power specialists to complete a regular maintenance schedule.

The Risks of Not Servicing Hotel Backup Generators

A common misconception with hotel backup generators is that with a low amount of annual runtime (generally less than 50 hours per year), maintenance isn’t necessary as there hasn’t been extensive use. However, environmental factors, a lack of attention to problems, and issues that arise out of nowhere commonly occur for hospitality units. With a minimal investment in preventative maintenance, you protect your generator to operate efficiently for decades, avoiding major expenses that are often unexpected.

Hotel and resort operators that do not secure services often deal with common problems, such as:

• Engine oil and filter media breakdown
• Wet stacking in diesel engines
• Leaking
• Wearing of the block heater
• Sputtering and stalls
• Fuel tank leaking

Trouble with generators can cause frustration, but it can also be dangerous. Raw materials like fuel (diesel, natural gas) and electricity are used to power generators and incorrect or unsafe use of these sources can cause harm, such as carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, electric shocks, fire, or burns.

At LionHeart, our Critical Power Specialists keep your safety and efficiency in mind. They are certified technicians of generators with the tools, resources, and skills to alleviate issues. Work with LionHeart to have your questions answered and to set up a consultation about your hotel backup generator units.

How Often Do Hotel Backup Generators Need to Be Serviced?

Keeping your hotel patrons comfortable when the power goes out is paramount, however, even more important is their safety. Protection comes in the form of ongoing maintenance schedules.

How often you have your hotel backup generators maintained will depend on several factors, such as:

• Age
• Condition
• Specific issue
• Environment
• Application

Many large hotels and resorts require a substantial amount of power within their units to operate. LionHeart recommends, at minimum, PM1 generator services for these properties, which consist of quarterly or semi-annual inspections. During your service visits, our Critical Power Specialists will provide a detailed review of all controls and components included with the generator set and enclosure. We also ensure engine fluids are topped off and that any minor or potential concerns are identified so they can be corrected before becoming critical problems.

What Type of Maintenance Needs to Be Done for Hospital Generators?

The US Energy Information Administration’s Commercial Buildings Energy Consumption Survey indicates that hotels and motels in the US use 14kWh of electricity and 49 cubic feet of natural gas per square foot (ft²) on average, annually. Due to the amount of power required for a hotel backup generator to run when needed, PM2 maintenance is key for many facilities.

With PM2, units generally receive an annual inspection that consists of oil and oil filter replacement, as well as fuel filter replacement if the units are diesel engine generators. Additionally, technicians will add fresh oil, diesel fuel samples, and coolant. They will also advise your team following a review of recommendations onsite, with the ability to provide repairs for any that are outstanding.

These are many of the maintenance items that your hotel backup generator will need annually.

• Battery testing
• Lubrication service
• Cooling system
• Generator cleaning
• Engine exercising

Consider also obtaining load bank testing to secure your operations. It’s always best to be proactive with unit maintenance to avoid headaches that can be avoided. Select a routine maintenance plan that fits your needs and budget to save yourself time, stress, and money in the long run.

Need a Hand with Your Hotel Backup Generator?

LionHeart knows how important a backup generator can be for your business and we want to help you stay safe and profitable during tough times. For more than two decades, our team has served the hospitality industry and many others with quality, affordable, and professional backup generator maintenance you can count on.

Schedule your maintenance plan today with LionHeart, and contact us to get started!